A nurse administers a flu shot at the Marquette County Health Department in Negaunee Township. (Journal file photo)

MARQUETTE — With vaccine-preventable diseases like pertussis and measles making a resurgence in Michigan, doctors and public health leaders have urged parents to stay informed, follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended immunization schedule, and talk with their child’s physician about catching up on missed vaccines.

In the first six months of the year, Michigan has reported 855 cases of pertussis (whooping cough) — well on pace to match or exceed last year’s total of 2,081 cases, a dramatic spike from just 110 in 2023. Measles has also returned to the state for the first time since 2019, with 18 confirmed cases so far this year, part of a larger national outbreak.

“Infants and young children are at the highest risk for serious illness, hospitalization, or worse,” said Dr. Pamela Rockwell, family physician and chair of the Michigan Advisory Committee on Immunizations. “We have safe, effective vaccines that can prevent these outcomes. Now is the time for every Michigander to act to protect our most vulnerable loved ones.”

Physicians emphasized that current outbreaks are a clear warning: while many families are keeping up with vaccinations, statewide coverage levels remain below what’s needed to stop the spread of highly contagious illnesses.

“We’re seeing a growing gap between what we know works and what’s actually happening in communities,” said Dr. Joshua Meyerson, pediatrician and medical director for the Health Department of Northwest Michigan. “Every missed or delayed vaccination is a missed opportunity to protect a child — and to protect our schools, daycares and neighborhoods.”

A statewide survey of Michigan parents with children under 6, conducted this spring on behalf of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the I Vaccinate campaign, found that:

• Nearly 84% of parents say childhood vaccines are very or extremely important.

• Over 85% are keeping up with regular well-child visits–key moments for staying current on immunizations.

• 88.6% trust health care professionals as their most reliable source of vaccine information.

• 77.9% trust their own doctor’s guidance on vaccines.

“We know most Michigan parents support vaccines and trust their doctors,” said Veronica Valentine McNally, founder of the I Vaccinate campaign and president of the Franny Strong Foundation. “But with new parents navigating changing recommendations and online misinformation, it’s critical that we keep showing up with empathy, facts and support. These are deeply personal decisions, and people need help cutting through the noise.”

When delays do happen, the survey suggests they’re rarely due to vaccine hesitancy. Instead, parents cite logistical issues, such as transportation and access to appointments, or uncertainty about a specific vaccine, often stemming from misinformation.

“Most parents aren’t anti-vaccine — they’re navigating real-life obstacles,” said Meyerson. “That’s why it’s so important to keep the conversation going. When doctors and families talk, we find a path forward.”

Nationally, 92% of 2025 measles cases are among unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status. In Michigan, DTaP coverage among toddlers is just 71.5%, and MMR coverage is 79.4%, below the levels needed to prevent outbreaks of diseases like pertussis and measles.

Bud Sargent Can be reached at 906-228-2500, extension 544. His email address is bsargent@miningjournal.net.